“Your excellency desires me speak the truth, I conclude?” rejoined Xit.
“If you attempt to prevaricate, I will have you questioned by that engine,” returned Renard, pointing to the rack. “I again ask you by whom you were employed to convey these messages?”
“Your excellency and your attendants will keep the secret if I tell you?” replied Xit. “I was sworn not to reveal my employer’s name.”
“No further trifling, knave,” cried Renard, “or I shall deliver you to the tormentors. Who was it?”
“The Queen,” replied Xit.
“Impossible!” exclaimed Renard, in surprise.
“Nothing is impossible to a woman in love,” replied Xit; “and her highness, though a queen, is still a woman.”
“Beware how you trifle with me, sirrah,” rejoined Renard. “It was M. De Noailles who employed you.”
“He employed me on the part of her majesty, I assure your excellency,” returned Xit.
“He deceived you if he told you so,” replied Renard. “But now, repeat to me the sum of your conversations with the earl.”